NFL Week 17 Predictions and Betting Preview

Baltimore Ravens v Cleveland Browns

A huge day for the AFC North will see the 9-6 Ravens host the 7-7-1 Browns in Baltimore. With a victory, Baltimore will clinch the division and a home playoff game next week. Last season, they were in a similar situation but lost to the Bengals in Week 17. So the question is - can the Browns do the same? After a dismal 0-16 season in 2017/2018, the Browns have turned it around this season with 7 victories on the board. Baker Mayfield looks like a future star at QB and he’s been instrumental in this 3 game winning streak for Cleveland. Earlier this season in Cleveland, the Browns shocked the Ravens with a 12-9 result and I like their chances of finishing the season with another close and low scoring game. In the Browns last 6 games this year, 4 have gone unders. When they meet the Ravens, it’s 4-1 and at this venue, the under has saluted in 6 of the last 7 meetings. Baltimore’s defence has been on fire lately, including allowing just 10 points on the road against the Chargers last week. While on offence, the Ravens are not a high scoring team and that should keep this under the total. They have a 9-4 record against the under in their last 13 overall games as well.

Stadium Record

The Browns are 1-9 at this venue against the Ravens. Baltimore has won 9 of their last 12 home games.

Head to Head Record

Since 2013, the Ravens hold a 7-3 record against the Browns. The last meeting saw just 21 total points as the Browns won via a field goal.

Best Bet

UNDER 42.5 points $1.78

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals

The other AFC North battle will be the desperate Pittsburgh Steelers at home against the Bengals. Cincinnati ruined the Ravens playoff chances last season so they’ll look to do the same when they tackle the Steelers. Pittsburgh come into this clash with a 1-4 record in their last 5 and 3 of those losses have been by a field goal. Last week, they competed hard against the Saints but lost 31-28 in the end. With their season on the line, the betting is expecting a huge win for the home side. While I see the Steelers winning this clash, this should be another low scoring game in Week 17. The Bengals are missing a number of key players on offence and currently have their 2nd string QB on the field. They also have a good Unders record against the Steelers at 4-2. At this venue, it’s also 7-2 against the under. The Steelers last home game was a 17-10 scoreline against the Patriots and I expect their defence to dominate the Bengals.

Stadium Record

The Steelers have won 4 of their last 5 at home. Cincinnati is 1-4 when they play at Heinz Field.

Head to Head Record

Pittsburgh has not lost against the Bengals since 2015 (7-0). They played earlier in the season and the Steelers won 28-21 on the road.

Best Bet

UNDER 46.5 points $1.82

Minnesota Vikings v Chicago Bears

A potential playoff preview in Minnesota will see the 11-4 Bears travel to play the 8-6-1 Vikings. The Bears have locked up the division and will likely host their playoff game next week as the #3 seed. They head into this clash with 3 straight victories and their defence just continues to dominate. They’ve allowed 6 points to the Rams, 17 to the Packers and 9 to the 49ers in those 3 wins. So they’re going to be a dangerous opposition in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Vikings are ridding a 2 game winning streak after comfortable wins over the Dolphins and Lions. The equation is simple for them - win and they earn a wildcard playoff spot in the NFC. Interestingly, the Vikings are warm favourites in the betting but the Bears won’t be backing down. They’ve ruled out resting players as they can still earn the #2 seed with a Rams loss. With this defence on fire, it’s a tough challenge for the Vikings offence. They weren’t overly impressive against the Lions last week and I’m expecting the Bears to continue their dominance to cover the line. Chicago holds a 4-1 record against the line when meet the Vikings and they’ve also covered in 8 of their last 9 overall games.

Stadium Record

Minnesota has won 11 of their last 13 home games. Since 2013, the Bears are 0-5 in Minneapolis.

Head to Head Record

The Bears won the first meeting of the season, 25-20. Since 2013, the Vikings hold a 7-3 advantage in 10 meetings.

Best Bet

Bears +5.5 $1.91

Tennessee Titans v Indianapolis Colts

The last regular game of this season will be a do-or-die clash in the AFC South. Both the 9-6 Titans and 9-6 Colts are playing for a playoff spot in the AFC. So this divisional rivalry matchup will take on extra significance in Week 17. The home side Titans have won their last 4 games and also receive an extra day’s rest over the Colts. They played the Redskins at home in Week 16 and used their strong defence to win 25-16. During this winning streak, they’re allowing just 11 points per game and will need to stop the Colts usually high scoring offence. They’ve also won 3 straight games and have scored 20+ in all 3. Last week’s game was a huge result as they were down 14-0 against the Giants. But a late rally in the 4th quarter saw them win 28-27. They have dominated the Titans in recent times with a 12-2 head to head record. However, the Titans defence is playing at a high level at the moment and I think home field advantage will be a huge advantage over the Colts playing on the road. Indy has recorded just 4 wins in their last 16 road games and their offence will likely struggle to score points in this matchup. Tennessee has won 6 of their 7 home games this season and that should be good enough to get them over the line.

Stadium Record

The Titans hold a 7-1 home record. Indianapolis has won 5 of their last 6 meetings at this venue.

Head to Head Record

In November, the Colts thrashed the Titans 38-10 in Indianapolis. Since 2013, the Colts are 8-2 in the last 10 meetings.

Best Bet

Titans WIN $2.29

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